I'm contemplating getting a lenovo think server and installing a small ssd to use it for basic tasks and eventually upgrading the graphics card for some mild gaming. I will be installing Ubuntu onto the ssd and I might also purchase a chromebook, to put Ubuntu on as well for my on the go computing needs.

You should post the specific model think server you're looking at so we can give you better advice. If you went with a blade style server, be aware you won't have the room to add a GPU. If you're talking about a tower style computer, those are pretty much OS-less and GPU-less pre-builts, so again, what's the point?

If cost is an issue, I'm sure cheaper parts could lower it to ~$315.I always think it is a better idea to build rather than buy, the ThinkServer doesn't seem to have any advantage over building it yourself.

Thanks, That makes sense. I would need to get a tower case too, I have just never built a computer from the ground up. So I was partially getting the server to ease into building a pc , also for the roomy case. I found it on Amazon for 260

Check my previous post, I included a case, the Antec Three Hundred for $60. It's a pretty well rated case and also what I have personally. If you have something similar to a MircoCenter computer store near you, I've seen them as cheap as $40, which is how much I paid for mine.

Building a computer is much easier than you probably think it is. If it's something you're interested in, check out r/buildapc for some really good information.